Simplify Your Workday.

You already have a gut feeling you could be doing more if you were doing less. Here are common signs you’re overworked and overwhelmed.

Is that a To-Do List or a Novel?

At some point just about everyone has daydreamed of writing a memoir or thrilling fiction. That stack of post-it notes is really just ideas for your book. All those scribbles couldn’t possibly be reminders to do this, that, and get back to the dozens of things you didn’t get to last week . . . right?

Stressed Out, Short-Tempered, and Sick

When your stress levels are high, your patience tends to be reduced proportionately. Are co-workers and employees avoiding you? Is your family hesitant to spend time with you when you are around? Do you see more of your doctor or pharmacy than your office or home?

Deadlines Are Falling Like Dominoes

You’ve missed a few deadlines and that has caused a snowball effect of pushing back other deadlines. Entire projects are at risk or have already been completely de-railed. You may feel like there’s no getting out of it, or that entire projects may need to be scrapped. Have you been giving up your weekends and hours after 5:00pm to play catch-up?

Double-Booking Yourself

Unless cloning has been invented (be sure to let me in on any secrets just in case you know something I don’t), you’re gonna have a difficult time appearing in two places at once. Even more embarrassing is having 2 clients or colleagues show up at your office at the same time. Yikes.

Lost or Misplaced Items

You know you had that report right there on the corner of your desk . . . no, wait, maybe it’s in your padfolio in the backseat of your car. Oh no, what if you left it at the restaurant after your lunch meeting? But wait, you could swear it was on the corner of your desk. And where did that post-it go with the phone number you need for this afternoon's phone call?

Your Email is Out of Control

Unread emails is one thing (and are overwhelming in their own right), but do you have more than 30 read emails in your inbox? Why are they there? Are there more steps you need to take with those emails? Do you keep them in your inbox so you don’t forget?